Book Review: The Queen of Last Hopes by Susan Higginbotham

The Queen of Last Hopes by Susan Higginbotham

Publish Date: January 2010

Format: Paperback pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"A man other than my husband sits on England's throne today.

What would happen if this king suddenly went mad? What would his queen do? Would she make the same mistakes I did, or would she learn from mine?

Margaret of Anjou, queen of England, cannot give up on her husband-even when he slips into insanity. And as mother to the House of Lancaster's last hope, she cannot give up on her son-even when England turns against them. This gripping tale of a queen forced to stand strong in the face of overwhelming odds is at its heart a tender tale of love.

Award-winning author Susan Higginbotham will once again ask readers to question everything they know about right and wrong, compassion and hope, duty to one's country and the desire of one's own heart."


My Review:

When it comes to the Wars of the Roses, there are always a couple questions that come to mind: are you of a Yorkist or a Lancasterian opinion? Did Richard III kill the princes in the tower? Was Richard III a corrupt and merciless man? These questions are often the focus of many historical novels set during this time period, and it is not very often that a book is written with an emphasis of how it all began. The Queen of Last Hopes begins with Margaret of Anjou preparing to leave for England, where she will become the Queen of King Henry VI. Margaret is just 15 when she sets sail for England, and she is full of hope and determination to bring peace to the English and French people. Unfortunately, she quickly learns that the her striving to enter the political world, no matter how good her intentions might be, only leads to bitterness from the English people and slander against her name. Despite these unsavory results, Margaret is no less determined in defending her crown when the House of York tries to dethrone her husband and take away her sons birthright.

Being of a Yorkist opinion myself, I was quite surprised by how well Hgginbotham made me soften to the Lancasterian cause. Told from a first person perspective, Margaret becomes more than just a strong willed and "she-wolf" character, instead she becomes a woman desperate for peace, deeply in love, and above all, a protective mother. It was this method of writing that really made me feel a strong connection to those who fought for the House of Lancaster. Higginbotham also did a wonderful job of creating a lovable character out of King Henry VI. Of course Henry was still a weak king and on the verge of madness, but he was also a loving husband and a man who knew he didn't live up to his predecessors reign, which resulted in my heart going out to his plight and creating a better opinion of the Lancasters.

The Queen of Last Hopes is written in great historical detail, and delivers an exceptional telling of one of the most controversial time periods in history. With subtle wit, heart wrenching events and life-like characters, you will finish the novel only wanting more of this talented author.

New Release: The Queen of Last Hopes by Susan Higginbotham

Publish Date: January 1st 2011

Format: Paperback 368pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"When fifteen-year-old Margaret of Anjou journeys from France to marry England’s Henry VI, she hopes that her wedding will mean a lasting peace between England and France. Instead, England’s losses of French territory infuriate the people, resulting in the horrific murder of Margaret’s first friend in England, William de la Pole.

Pregnant at last after eight years of marriage, Margaret places her hopes in her coming child. Then the worst happens: the gentle, ineffectual Henry suddenly goes mad and cannot even recognize his longed-for son. As feuding nobles rush to exploit the situation, Margaret determines to protect the rights of her husband and her child.

Undaunted by exile, poverty, danger, and the slanders of her enemies, Margaret remains loyal to her cause even as those around her falter in their allegiances. For the man and the boy she loves best, she will risk everything—her reputation, her safety, and the future of England itself."

Book Review: The Stolen Crown by Susan Higginbotham

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

When six-year-old Kate Woodville’s beautiful sister Elizabeth makes a shocking—and secret—marriage to King Edward IV in 1464, Kate and her large family are whisked to the king’s court. Soon a bedazzled Kate becomes one of the greatest ladies in the land when she marries young Harry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. But Kate’s fairy-tale existence as a duchess is shattered when the ongoing conflict between the houses of Lancaster and York engulfs the Woodville family.

As Edward IV fights to keep his crown, Harry’s relatives become hopelessly divided between Lancaster and York. Forced constantly to struggle with his own allegiances, Harry faces his defining moment when his dear friend Richard, Duke of Gloucester, determines to seize the throne for himself as Richard III. With lives in jeopardy and nothing less than a dynasty at stake, Harry’s loyalties—and his conscience—will be put to the ultimate test.

My Review:
The Stolen Crown is told through the perspective of Kate Woodville and Harry Stafford, who's lives are intertwined at a very young age. After the marriage of Kate's sister, Elizabeth, Kate soon finds herself betrothed to Harry and the young couple are destined to be the future Duke and Duchess of Buckingham. At first they do not get a long at all, but after a few tragedies occur they find themselves looking to each other for support and as they grow older it turns into a beautiful bond of love. Unfortunately, the time Kate and Harry live in is not a peaceful time for love.

The constant battle for the Crown of England is constantly being fought. While Edward IV is King, there are some years of peace in between the turmoil but when things are looking the best for Edward's reign tragedy strikes with his sudden death. England waits in suspense as the fate of England is left into the hands of a 9 year old boy, and everyone wonders if England will be sparred from another civil war. As supposed threats, murder and disastrous secrets become abundant, England's fate hangs in the balance as the fight for it's crown begins once again....


What a way to learn some history! Susan Higginbotham has created a compelling and thrilling tale of the Wars of the Roses. Packed with historical detail, the reader comes away with a greater knowledge of a turbulent time in English history. Since this novel is set during the Wars of the Roses, the mystery of the princes in the tower is of course a major point at the end of the book. Weather you are sympathetic to Richard III or believe he is guilty of the princes fate, the authors take on Richard does not diminish this novel's enjoyability at all. This is the first book by Susan Higginbotham that I have read and I can definitely say that I am going to really enjoy taking the time to read her other works!